Anthis students are ready to rock

Twice a week, 10 Anthis Career Center students stay late at the automotive center fixing up a blue 1995 Buick Regal. The students are investing hours repairing the body and making the engine hum, skills that will be critical if the students pursue automotive career.
The after-school project is similar to what goes on during an episode of "Trick My Truck" or "Pimp My Ride." Only for the students, the program is called "Rock the Whip." Whip is a slang term for car.
With a $30,000 grant from WorkOne Northeast, the students get to work closely with automotive experts, who are teaching them about engine performance, electronics, the drive train and body repair while fixing up the car, which was donated by Preferred Auto. The grant also pays for supplies for students, including mechanics tools, which will be important as they begin their careers. Auto mechanics are responsible for purchasing their own tools and the equipment can be costly.
To be a part of "Rock the Whip," students had to meet income requirements and go through an interview. The program was designed to help students from low-income households receive job training and provide employment assistance.
Over the course of seven weeks, students will work on the car transforming from a decent used car to one students would love to have. And at the end of the program, one lucky student will get to have it. At the end of the school year, the car will be used to reward an Anthis student with good attendance.
Media are invited to check out the program at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at the Anthis Automotive Center at the corner of Lafayette and Lewis streets.

With nearly 30,000 students, Fort Wayne Community Schools is one of the largest school districts in Indiana. FWCS proudly allows families to choose any of its 50 schools through its successful school-choice program creating diversity in each school, including some with more than 75 languages spoken. FWCS offers seven magnet schools focusing on areas such as science and math, communication, fine arts or Montessori at the elementary and middle school level. In high school, students can choose from the prestigious International Baccalaureate program, Project Lead the Way or New Tech Academy as well as other rigorous academic and specialty training programs.